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Dominica

Last updated:

March 26, 2015 09:42 ET

Still valid:

March 31, 2015 17:58 ET

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Advisories

Advisories

DOMINICA - Exercise a high degree of caution

There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Dominica. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to limited medical resources, generally poor road conditions, unreliable public transportation and moderate crime rates.

Security

Security

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Robberies and violent assaults have occurred near tourist facilities. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid unpatrolled beaches and unpopulated areas, especially after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe.

Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear jewellery.

Petty crime increases during annual celebrations such as the Carnival in February and the Creole Music Festival in October.

Road travel

Traffic drives on the left. Roadside assistance is not widely available. Roads are narrow and steep with few guardrails. A lack of traffic signs, lane markings and warnings poses hazards. Roads outside the capital are unlit. Night driving should be undertaken with care. Road maps are essential. Car rentals are available. Purchase sufficient car insurance.

Air travel

General safety information

You should use a guide for mountain expeditions.

Entry/exit requirements

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Consulate General of the Commonwealth of Dominica. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Consulate General of the Commonwealth of Dominica, 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400H, New York, NY 10017, tel.: 212-599-8478, fax: 212-661-0979, email: domun@onecommonwealth.org for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Dominica, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

All Canadian citizens transiting the United States when travelling to and from Dominica by air must comply with entry requirements to the U.S. For more information, please see the Canada Border Services Agency’s website.

Health

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

Vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Vaccines to Consider

You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Yellow Fever Vaccination

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among pediatric travellers, travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives or travelling for a long period of time. Travellers at high risk visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care provider about vaccination.

There is currently an outbreak of chikungunya in this country. Chikungunya is a viral disease spread through the bite of an infected mosquito that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. Protect yourself from mosquito bites, particularly around sunrise and sunset. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Dengue fever

Dengue fever occurs in this country. Dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.

The risk of dengue is higher during the daytime, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Malaria

Malaria

There is no risk of malaria in this country.

Animals

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in the Caribbean, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

Illegal drugs

Possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, may lead to large fines or imprisonment.

Laws

It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in army or camouflage clothing or to carry items made of camouflage material.

Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the import or export of items such as business equipment, food and beverages, paints, varnishes and chemicals.

You may obtain a temporary driver's license from the police in Dominica.

Money

The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD). U.S. dollars are widely accepted.

Natural disasters & climate

Natural disasters & climate

Hurricane Season

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Center provides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

The water level in Dominica's Boiling Lake has fluctuated in the recent past, and toxic fumes could be spewed out, making it dangerous for visitors to approach.

Dominica is located in an active seismic zone.

Assistance

Assistance

There is no resident Canadian government office in Dominica. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the High Commission of Canada in Bridgetown, Barbados.

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Bridgetown, Barbados, and follow the instructions. You may also place a collect call to the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.